Hello friends! Today's reading I really enjoyed. I loved the narrative style of writing again with the suspenseful ways each chapter ends on. It is also a Biblical example of speaking truth to power against what is popular or requested of you for the betterment of the oppressed. I really, really enjoyed this reading and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Scripture to Read
Numbers 22 - 24
Psalm 47
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about God?
What does this teach me about humanity?
What about this is encouraging to me? What is challenging?
Would Jesus say amen to this?
- My Thoughts -
As far as I understand the reading Balaam is not an Israelite, he is a foreigner, an "enemy" of the Israelite people and yet he speaks on their behalf to Balak, not necessary because he personally sides with them, but his faith in God causes him to side with them. I'm really moved by this sentiment of a foreigner not only not cursing the "enemy" as requested by the king but also blessing them! I think there is something in that for us. Perhaps its speaking out against a friend or family member for saying something rude against another person, party, or religion because of some internal bias. On a practical level - I've noticed an increasing number of political signs that say things such as "Make Liberals Cry Again", "F___ Your Feelings" "No more Bullsh*t" and things like that. Irregardless of the candidate that these signs are attached to, do we not have human decency anymore? Do we not think that our children are reading these and being influenced by them? I mourn for any parent that has to hear their child ask "what does F__ mean?" because they read it on the back of some Ford F350 supercharger.
These signs are similar to that of the bless the enemy or curse the enemy mentality. You don't have to like the party or the ideology associated with the enemy, but you also don't need to curse them. It's our responsibility as voting christians to speak up against our neighbors and call out stuff like this...not because it's popular, but it's because as Balaam says "I do only what the Lord tells of me."
Prayer
God, as we get closer to this election help me to love my enemy as myself. To love does not mean tolerate, it means I will not curse them, but bless them, I will love them as I love myself. Lord, forgive me for the times I have been like Balak desiring curses upon those different than me. Help me to have my eyes open to learn from my "enemies". In all of these things I pray to your most holy name. Amen.
Commentaires